Credit Inquiry
Any access to your credit report by an authorized party. Credit inquiries are classified as hard inquiries (when you apply for credit — impacts your score) or soft inquiries (such as your own checks or pre-approval screening — no score impact).
Related guides
- Full credit & FICO® glossary
Browse all defined terms by category.
- Hard Inquiry
A credit check that occurs when you apply for new credit — a credit card, loan, mortgage, or auto financing. Hard inquiries may lower your FICO score by a few points (typically fewer than 5) and remain on your credit report for two years. Also called a 'hard pull.'
- Soft Inquiry
A credit check that does not affect your FICO score. Soft inquiries occur when you check your own credit, when lenders send pre-approved offers, or when employers run background checks. Also called a 'soft pull.'
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Inquiry
What does Credit Inquiry mean?
Any access to your credit report by an authorized party. Credit inquiries are classified as hard inquiries (when you apply for credit — impacts your score) or soft inquiries (such as your own checks or pre-approval screening — no score impact).
Is Credit Inquiry important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Credit Inquiry helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.